ACTIVE RESIDENTS
Enjoying a robust social calendar at Eagle’s Trace community
While Carol and Philip Peter survived Hurricane Harvey without a scratch, their former house was another story. Not wanting to remodel or rebuild, the Peters were thrilled when they found Eagle’s Trace, an Erickson Senior Living community in west Houston, five years ago.
Seeing the hurricane as a blessing instead of a curse, they were excited to start their new maintenance-free lifestyle.
The community’s social, active environment had an equally positive impact on them.
“The day we moved in at Eagle’s Trace, a couple down the hall — Cathy and Dennis McKeever — had also just moved in,” says Carol. “We have become such good friends, the four of us! We share a real knack for traveling, so now we schedule trips together.”
As travel partners, the two couples have visited Carol and Philip’s Florida timeshare, seen parts of the Atlantic coast, and taken two cruises — one on the Chesapeake Bay and the other along the Snake River.
“You must take advantage of all the great opportunities to meet new people here,” she says. “There’s so much value in making friends!”
Time to wine and dine
“Having enjoyable social connections is an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of personal health and well-being,” says Dr. Matt Narrett, chief medical officer at Erickson Senior Living. “From a robust calendar of events to sharing a meal together with friends, our communities are designed to maximize engagement opportunities.”
Kristin Malejan, resident life director at Eagle’s Trace, has witnessed this engagement firsthand. “We have new residents who move in and make fast friends. The excitement when someone rekindles an old friendship here is palpable!”
One of the best ways to meet new faces, Malejan emphasizes, is through the community’s on-site restaurants. “A couple may come down, alone, and ask to be seated with another couple. It’s a great way for residents to identify commonalities and shared experiences with their neighbors.”
In fact, dining has become a favorite social activity for the Peters. Philip, a native Houstonian, found that he already knew many of the people they sat down with at dinner.
Jam-packed schedules
With home repairs and upkeep a thing of the past, Philip and Carol have free time to pursue their interests across the 100-plus different clubs and programs at Eagle’s Trace.
With everything from team sports and fitness classes to continuing education and Bible study, there are plenty of opportunities to meet likeminded residents.
Philip previously chaired the scholarship committee, while Carol is now chairman of the welcoming committee.
“Some people are hesitant to get involved at first, or they overextend themselves since there are so many options,” explains Carol. “Once you get into a groove, deciding on which activities to choose, it’s easy to meet people and form lasting relationships. We all have so much in common.”
Carol notes that the friendships they’ve made at Eagle’s
Trace have largely contributed to the satisfaction and fulfillment they now feel in retirement.
Looking ahead, Carol and Philip are excited to welcome those who join the tight-knit community at Eagle’s Trace.
Invest in your future self at Eagle’s Trace. Learn more by visiting eaglestrace.com.